Unusual places to stay in Lanzarote

From yurts to fishermen’s cottages, one of the world’s most prestigious sports hotels to a converted water tower, there are some unusual places to stay in Lanzarote. But then again, it is a fairly unusual place. Covered in lava yet they still manage to produce wine, Spanish but just off the coast of Morocco, hot all year round and yet their favourite food is steaming hot potatoes. And most brilliantly, the culture and architectural heritage of the whole island was protected by one committed artist, César Manrique, who, a little unusual himself it has to be said, stuck his neck out for sustainability. Hail César.

Unusual places to stay in Lanzarote

Unusual places to stay in Lanzarote

Lanzarote, with its hugely varied landscape, has an equally wide choice of accommodation available for the visitor, from large resorts to hidden country houses in tranquil whitewashed villages which barely seem to have changed for the last century. Some vacation accommodation available now is actually set in the Jameos (ancient lava chambers) which can be found throughout the island. Other small eco tourism units offer accommodation in Mongolian yurts and are powered by the sun and wind, with water supplied from deep wells and Aljibes – traditional cisterns which capture rain water.

At Lanzarote Retreats on the northern end of the island in the pretty village of Arrieta, the entire complex blends into the natural landscape, with accommodation built of local stone so that the cottages and houses, which are only one storey high, are barely visible.

Entirely powered by the sun and wind, with water pumped from its own well, and a plunge pool heated by solar energy, guests at the retreat have a minimum impact on the environment.

Michelle Braddock, owner of Lanzarote Retreats, an eco accommodation
"We set this up as an example of what we enjoyed, living by wind and solar energy. We have 2 windmills, 50 solar panels, and also use our well water"

There are 8 units, from the luxury eco villa which can sleep 8 people, to the Chiquita yurts, for a family of four or two couples. The excellent beach of Arrieta is within easy walking distance. Guests are encouraged to use local facilities in the area to help support the rural economy and are introduced to local people by the energetic English owners of the hotel, Michelle and Tila Braddock, who have lived here for nearly twenty years. Tila, a former windsurf tutor can organise courses in surfing, windsurfing and excursions to the lovely island of La Graciosa for his guests.

Set beneath the extraordinary high cliffs of Famara on the northern Coast, the Bungalows are luxurious self catering units with one of the most spectacular views on the island over the pretty village of Caleta de Famara.

Many of the bungalows and villas have their own swimming pools and are set in secluded plots with their own gardens. The mature development here was built thirty years ago and the Bungalows are the perfect base to relax, and absorb the wonderful scenery of this quiet part of the island.

With one of the best surfing waves here, and kite and wind surf schools in the charming village of Caleta de Famara, there are plenty of opportunities to practice sports of all kinds. Some of the most interesting sites on the island, from Manrique’s Mirador del Rio, to the National Park of Timanfaya are just a few minutes away by car.

Where fitness and sun, sea and sand combine! This is a real get-away resort. Club La Santa sits on the Lanzarote coastline, there’s a lagoon to one side and then volcanic scenery for miles around.

The breathtaking landscape and quiet roads just make you want to jump on the bike or head out for a run and explore. With 25 sports on offer including athletics, aerobics, windsurfing, pilates and yoga, you’ll never get bored!

The resort is completely self-contained, with cafes, restaurants, hire facilities and a wellness centre all on site. And all for free!